Journal of Applied Geology
Vol 10, No 2 (2025)

Characterization and Nitrate Reduction Activity of Bacteria Isolates from Groundwater in Yogyakarta as a Potential for In-Situ Bioremediation

Abigail Yemima (Bachelor Student of Biology Faculty, Universitas Gadjah Mada)
Endah Retnaningrum (Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Groundwater pollution is common in densely populated areas due to the high discharge of domestic as well as agricultural waste. As a result, nitrate is one of the pollutants that is commonly found within the affected groundwater system. Yogyakarta is especially vulnerable to nitrate pollution due to the co-occurrence of rapid urban expansion and agricultural activities. High nitrate concentration in groundwater leads to many adverse effects on the environment, as well as human health. Therefore, this research was conducted to measure the capacity of indigenous aerobic nitrate-reducing bacteria found within the groundwater in Yogyakarta as a potential agent for in-situ bioremediation. A total of 19 indigenous bacteria were isolated from groundwater samples in Yogyakarta and were tested for their nitrate reduction activity. Two of the hight efficient isolates in reducing nitrate aerobically were then measured for their nitrate reduction activity every 24 hours within a 3-day incubation period. The phenotypes of the two bacteria isolates were characterized through the observation of cell morphology, colony morphology, and biochemical tests. Out of the two bacteria isolates, bacteria isolate 1 with similar characteristics to Pseudomonas sp was the most efficient in reducing nitrate, with 95.38% of total nitrate removed and a nitrate reduction activity of 40.67 mgL−1h.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jag

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Earth & Planetary Sciences Energy Engineering Environmental Science

Description

Journal of Applied Geology – JAG focuses on the applied geology and geosciences with its key objective particularly emphasis on application of basic geological knowledge for addressing environmental, engineering, and geo-hazards problems. The subject covers variety of topics including geodynamics, ...